Stimulating, disposable distraction teaming two generations of male Hollywood stars: grizzled elder Robert Redford and brash young Brad Pitt. As the Vietnam conflict winds down, veteran CIA operative Nathan Muir (Redford) recruits skilled army marksman Tom Bishop (Pitt) for the agency. Years and numerous theaters of conflict later, the protégé has endured so much manipulation by the mentor that their relationship is imperiled. Yet, when Bishop is imprisoned in China on charges of espionage and the CIA disavows all knowledge of his doings, Muir (on the eve of retirement) takes particular interest in the situation. Though the two agents are no longer partnered, the old hand employs all of his skill to try and save his colleague. The action moves from place to place (Berlin, Beirut, etc.) and time to time with minimal confusion, while most of the spy-type skulking is left to Muir, who turns the CIA offices into his private war room. With Catherine McCormack as the delegated femme (possibly) fatale.